Cultivator.



(No Modet.)

m. .1. TODD.

Patented May 20,1902.

CULTIVAT'OR..

lication filed Nov. 11, 1901 5 Sheets-Sheet L Patented May 20, 1902. M. J. TOUDJ CULTIVATUB.

(Application filed Nov. 11, 1901.)

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 (No Model.)

Witnesses ml non ails PETERS no, mmmnwcu wnsmuamu, 0 c4 No. 700,579. Patented May 20, I902;

M. J. TODD.

GULTIVATORQ A lication-filed Nov. 11, 1901. (No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 4.

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No. 700,579. Patented May 20, I902. M. J. TODD.

GULITIVATOB.

Ap lication filed Nov. 11,1901.) (No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 5.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MARQUIS J. TODD, OF BUFFALO, E

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SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 700,579, dated May 20, 1902.

Application filed November 11,1901. Serial No. 81,910. (No modeli) I To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, MARQUIS J. TODD, of Bufialo, in the county of Erie and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Cultivators; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact descriptionof the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertainsto make and use the same.

The primary object of this invention is to provide in a straddle-row cultivator means whereby the cut of either gang may be narrowed without interfering with the cut of the otheras, for instance, upon reaching an irregularity in the row under cultivation.

A further object is to efiect the shifting of the carrying-wheels simultaneously with the narrowing of the cut of either gang.

A further object is to utilize the weight of the rider or operator to equalize the weight of the gangs to permit'of the easy raising and lowering thereof; and a further object is to provide improved means for securing a uniformity in the cut as between the front and rear shovels of the gangs and to'so hold the gangs relatively to the frame as to avoid lateral strain on the connection between the gangs and the frame-yoke.

The invention will be hereinafter fullyset forth and particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation. Fig. 2 is a plan view. Fig. 3 is a front end view with the tongue-bars in cross-section. Fig. 4 is a plan View of a portion of one of the gangs, showing the inner shovel shiftable without changing the direction of travel of the carrying-wheel; Fig. 5

shows in plan view the gangs and carrying wheels simultaneously shiftable, the normal positions being indicated in dotted lines. Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical sectional View through one ofthe axle-spindle hangers and frame-bar. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the yoke to which the gangs are hinged. Fig. 8 is an enlarged View showing one of the devices for shifting the inner gang-teeth. Fig. 9 is an enlarged View of the seat-lever and its connections with the gang-levers.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates the cultivator-frame proper, embracing a tongue 2, formed of two divergent bars To these bars at their rear widened ends is secureda cross-rod ortube 4, which extends laterally beyond the sidesof the tongue-bars. This cross-rod is preferably held by a strap-iron 5,

which extends across the space between the tongue-bars. A

6 6 designate the carrying-wheels, 7 the axles, and 8 the axle-hangers which depend from and a're adj ustably secured on the crossrod in such manner that the distance between the carrying-wheels may be regulated by adjusting the positions'of the hangers on the cross-rod. Each axle is of right-angular formation, the vertical spindles thereof being carried up between the parallel sides 9 of the hangers and at their upper ends bear against blocks 10, through which the hanger-binding bolts 11 are passed. Pins 12 serve to retain the spindles in the hangers. Each hanger has secured thereto a bracing-band 13, which, like the hanger proper, is made to hug the cross-rod 4:, being held by bolt 14. By loosening the binding-bolts l1 and 14 the hangers -may be adjusted to regulate the distance between the two carrying-wheels. To the spindle of each axle is secured a stud 15. By passing set-screws 16 through the downturned ends of such studs and into the flanged ends of ledges 17, projecting from the hangers, the axles will be locked, so as to prevent lateral shifting of the wheels. This, however, is an expedient which is resorted to only in working levelground; but in general it is desirable to .be able to effect the lateral shifting of the wheels, as upon reaching amisplaced row and in working on hillsides.

18 18 designate cultivator-gangs, the dragbars of which are carried rearwardly on substantially straight lines and diverge outwardly back of the carrying-wheels. Each gang carries a series of cultivator-shovels 19, and at their forward ends they are hinged or loosely mounted on the lower outwardly-proj ectingportions of a U shaped yoke 20, which constitutes the forward support of the cultivator-gangs and their connection to the cultivator-frame. This yoke is located between the tongue-bars, to which it is adjustably held by means which will permit of its being raised or lowered to secure uniformity in the depth of the cut as between the forward and rearward shovels. The means shown for this pur pose consists of nutted-bolts 21, having U ends 22, which hug the vertical portions of the yoke, a tooth 23 on the inner face of each bolt engaging any one of a series of notches 24. Brace-rods 25, leading from the hangers, are shown as secured to the tongue-bars by the bolts 21, while lower brace-bars 26 extend from such hangers to and are fastened on the lower outwardly extended portions of the yoke, and to the vertical portions of the latter are loosely secured the lower rear ends of brace-rods 27, held at their upper forward ends to the tongue-bars.

28 28 designate two controlling-levers of approximately right-angular formation for raising and lowering the gangs. Each lever is fulcrumed at 29 to the side of the adjacent tongue-bar and carries a pawl for engaging a stationary rack-bar 30. The rear end of the short arm of each lever is connected by a link 31 to one of the gangs, springs 32 thereon serving to allow the gangs to freely ride over obstructions.

33 is the operators seat, adj ustably mounted on the rear end of a lever which is shown as composed of two parallel portions 34, having forward divergent ends 35, pivotally secured to the tongue-bars by nutted bolts 36, passed through any one of a series of holes 37. The weight of the seat-lever is placed upon the controlling-levers, so as to ofiset the weight of the gangs. This may be accomplished in various ways and by difierent means. I have shown the lever as being hung at a point immediately in front of the frame cross-rod 4 on a rod 38, which at its ends is supported by links 39, pivotally hung on the gang-levers at points close to the fulcra there of. The connection between the lever and thecross-rod is shown in the form of a strap 40, hanging from the rod and held by a nutted bolt 41 to a strap-iron 42 between the parallel portions of the lever. By placing the weight of the operator and his seat-support on the gang-levers the weight of the gangs is equalized, and they may be readily and easily raised or lowered. Both gangs may be thus operated simultaneously or one at a time, and the cross-rod 38 having no bearing other than that of the links there is no appreciable torsional strain thereon consequent upon the operation of onega-ng independent of the other, nor is the seat-lever subjected to any undue strain.'

Each gang is so held at a point in line with the axles as to prevent lateral displacement and avoid lateral strain on the frame-yoke, such connection, however, permitting the gangs to move vertically and allow of their lateral adjustment-when the positions of the axle-hangers are shifted. The means shown for accomplishing this-consists of links 43, engaging slotted plates 44, depending from the sand-guards.

The inner shovel 45 of each gang is capable of independent lateral adjustment relative to its fellows, so as to narrow up the cut of either gang-as, for instauce,upon reaching an irregularity in the row under cultivation.

The drag-bar 46 of each inner shovel is pivoted or hinged at its forward end by any suitable means, but not necessarily to the main drag-bar of the gang, as shown. To each drag-bar 46 is pivotally secured a shifting device 47, shown in the form of upper and lower plates extended over and beneath the main drag-bar and held at their outer ends by a nutted bolt 47, passed through a guide 48 in the form of a loop onthe side of the main drag-bar, such guides serving to hold the outer ends of the shifters as against outward longitudinal movement in traveling lengthwise of the gangs, thereby causing the shifters at certain stages of movementsto act as toggles on the drag-bar 46, to which connected.

Each shifting device is connected by a link 49 to a foot lever 50. Normally the outer ends of the shifting devices of the inner shovels lie at the forward limit of what may be termed the line of dead or inactive movement. (See full lines Fig. 5.) When the inner shovel of one gang is to be thrown laterally outward toward the side of the machine, the outer end of its shifting device will by pressure on its respective foot-lever be caused to travel over the line of active movement, (see dotted lines at left of Fig. 5,) quickly drawing on the drag-bar to which connected. At the same time the outer end of the shifting device of the inner shovel of the other gang is being moved rearwardly (see dotted lines at the right of Fig. 5) through the line of dead or inactive movement, practically without affecting such shovel. As soon as the point of irregularity in the row is passed the operator presses forwardly on the foot-lever of the last-mentioned device, (which lever was previously forced rearward,) and thereby again positions the outer ends of the two shifting devices at the forward limit of the line of dead or inactive movement. By the described connection between the drag-bars of the inner shovels and the main drag-bars all the shovels of a gang will move in unison when raised or lowered.

Each foot-lever 50 is held to the axle-stud 15 and an upper stud 51 by a nutted rod 52, and the upper ends of such levers are carried forward, as at 53, and connected together by a cross-bar 54, whereby the shifting devices of the two inner shovels are caused to move synchronously. When, as is usually the case, it is desired that in shifting an inner shovel the carrying-wheels be correspondingly shifted, so that the machine as a whole will pass an irregularity in the row, and likewise when working on hillsides, each foot-lever is locked to the axle-stud 15 by a screw 55, the locking-screw 16, by which the same was held to the ledge 17 of the hanger,

being loosened or removed. When the footlevers are thus locked, the spindles of the axles form the fulcra for the levers, so that pressure on either of the latter will shift the two axles simultaneously; but whether the inner shovels are to be adjusted with or without shifting the carrying-wheels, it is obvious that upon pressing forwardly on either footlever the link 49 thereof will draw its respective shifting device forward, thus shifting the drag-bar of the innermost shovel of that gang. At the same time the foot-lever of the other gang is caused to move rearwardly, throwing the outer end of the shifting device through the line of dead or inactive movement. Throughout this rearward movement of the other shifting device practically no lateral motion is communicated to the dragbar. When it is desired, as in cultivating level ground, to efiect the shifting of the inner shovels without shiftingthe carrying-wheels, the holding-screws 55 are removed or loosened, so as to free the foot-leversfrom studs 15, and such studs are locked by screws 16 to the hangers. In such instances the levers take their fulcra from the nutted rods 52 and not from the axle, to which latter they are secured only when the wheels are to be shifted simultaneously with the shifting of either inner shovel.

From what has been stated it will be observed that the inner shovels, although normally working in line with the others of each gang and capable of moving vertically therewith, are free to be shifted laterally, one independently of the other and with or independently of a corresponding shifting of the carrying-wheels. It will also be noted that the raising and lowering of the gangs is capable of easy accomplishment, since the weight thereof is equalized or largely offset by the weight of the operator, that the adjustment of the forward ends of the gangs to insure uniformity in the depth of out between the forward and rearward shovels is effected by the vertical adjustment of the yoke, and that by connecting the gangs at points intermediate their length to the frame of the machine the frame-yoke is not subjected to lateral strain.

I claim as my invention- 1. In a straddle-row cultivator, in combination, two gangs, the inner shovel of each gang being capable of being shiftedlaterally,means connected to such inner shovels for normally holding them inlworking line relative to the other shovels of their respective gangs, and means for acting on such former means for shifting laterally the inner shovels, as set forth.

2. In a straddle-row cultivator, in combination, two gangs, the inner shovel of each gang being capable of being shifted laterally,means connected to such inner shovels for normally holding them in working line relative to the other shovels of their respective gangs, means for acting on such former means for shifting laterally the inner shovels, and means conmeeting such inner shovels to their respective gangs whereby all of the shovels of a gang may move vertically in unison, as set forth.

3. In a straddle-row cultivator, in combination, two gangs, the inner shovel of each gang being shiftable laterallyindependently of the other shovels thereof, mechanism connected to each inner shovel for shifting the same laterally, means for causing the shifting mechanisms to move in unison, the shifting mechanisms of the two gangs being so arranged relatively that when the inner shovel of either gang is moved laterally the position of the inner shovel of the other gang remains practically unchanged, as set forth.

4. In a straddle-row cultivator, in combination, two gangs, the inner shovel of each gang being shiftable laterally independently of the other shovels thereof, mechanism carried by each gang connected to the inner shovel thereof for shifting the same laterally, a connection between such mechanisms of the two inner shovels, and actuating means, such shifting mechanisms of the two gangs being so arranged relatively that when the inner shovel of either gang is moved laterally the position of the inner shovel of the other gang remains practically unchanged, as set forth.

5. The combination with the gangs, the inner shovel of each gang being shjftable laterally independently of the other shovels thereof, of shifting devices connected to each of the inner shovels, foot-levers connected to such devices, and a connection between the two devices, such devices of the two gangsbeing so arranged relatively that in the movements thereof but one shovel at a time will be shifted laterally, substantially as set'forth.

6. The combination with the gangs, the inner shovel of each gang having a separate drag-bar capable of moving laterally, of shifting devices pivoted to such drag-bars and carried by the gangs, levers connected to such devices, and a connection between the two levers, substantially as set forth.

7. The combination with the gangs, theinner shovel of each gang having a separate drag-bar capable of moving laterally, of shifting devices pivoted to each drag-bar, a guide for such devices on each gang, two foot-levers connected each to one of the shifting devices, and a connection between the two foot-levers, substantially as set forth.

8. The combination with the gangs, the inner shovel of each gang havinga separate drag-bar capable of moving laterally, of shifting devices for the inner shovel of each gang, such devices being pivotally connected tosuch shovels, guides on the gangs for such devices, the latter when moving in such guides said shifting devices being so arranged rela tively that as the inner shovel of one'gang tion, two gangs, the inner shovel of each gang being shiftable laterally independently of the other shovels thereof, carrying-wheels, axles therefor having pivot-spindles, and means for shifting'the wheels and the inner shovels simultaneously, as set forth.

10. In a straddle-row cultivator, in combination, two gangs, the inner shovel of each gang being shiftable laterally independently of the other shovels thereof, carrying-wheels,

axles therefor having pivot-spindles, means connecting the inner shovel of each gang to one of the axles, and means for shifting the wheels and the inner shovels simultaneously, as set forth.

11. In a straddle-row cultivator, in combination, two gangs, the inner shovel of each gang being shiftable laterally independently of the other shovels thereof, carrying-wheels, axles therefor having pivot-spindles, means connected to each inner shovel for shifting the same laterally, connections between such means and the axles, said shifting means being so arranged relatively that as the inner shovel of one gang is shifted laterally to narrow the cut of such gang the inner shovel of the other gang remains practically unmoved, and means for simultaneously shifting the wheels and the shifting means of the two inner shovels, substantially as set forth.

12. In a straddle-row cultivator, in combination, two gangs, the inner shovel of each gang being so mounted that it may be shifted laterally independently of the other shovels thereof, carrying-wheels, pivoted axles therefor, and means for simultaneously shifting laterally the carrying-wheels and the inner shovels, as set forth.

13. In a straddle-row cultivator, in combination, two gangs, the inner shovel of each gang being so mounted that it may be shifted laterally independently of the other shovels thereof, carrying-wheels, pivoted axles therefor, means for shifting laterally the inner shovels, and means connected to the last-mentioned means and to the axles for shifting the wheels and the shifting means of the inner shovels simultaneously, as set forth.

14. In a straddle-row cultivator, in ccmbination, two gangs, the inner shovel of each gang being capable of being shifted laterally independently of the other shovels, means connecting such inner shovels to their respective gangs whereby all the shovels of a gang may move vertically in unison, carryingwheels, axles therefor having pivot-spindles, means for shifting laterallythe inner shovels, and means connected to the last-mentioned means and to the axles for shifting the wheels and the shifting means of the inner shovels simultaneously.

15. The combination with the gangs, the inner shovels of which are independently shiftable, of means movable on each gang for so shifting the inner shovels, foot-levers connected to such means, carrying-wheels, axles having pivot-spindles to which such foot-levers are connected, and a connection between such foot-levers, substantially asset forth.

, 16. The combination with the gangs, of levers for raising and lowering the same, a seat for the'operator, and a support thereforitself supported by said levers and so connected thereto as to equalize the weight ofand aid-in lifting the gangs, as set forth.

17. The combination with the gangs, of levers for raising and lowering the same, a seat for the operator, a support for such seat, and means intermediate the seat-support and the levers whereby such support is itself supported by the levers so that the weight of the operator is utilized to ofiset the weight of and aid in lifting the gangs, as set forth.

18. The combination with the gangs, of levers for raising and lowering the same, a seat for the operator, a lever on which such seat is mounted, and a support for such seat-lever connected to and supported by said levers at points adjacent the fulcra thereof so as to utilize the weight'of the operator to offset that of the gangs and aid in lifting the latter, as set forth.

19. The combination with the gangs, of the levers for raising and lowering the same, a 7

seat for the operator, a lever on which such seat is mounted, a cross-rod forming a support for such lever, links supporting said cross-rod at its ends, said links being pivoted each to one arm of the lever adjacent thereto, the other arm of each lever being connected to its respective gang, substantially as setforth.

20. The combination with the cultivatorframe, and the gangs, of the levers, connections between such levers and the gangs, of a seat-lever f ulcru med on said frame, a crossrod supported by said levers and in turn supporting said seat-lever, the connections of the cross-rod to said levers being adjacent to the f ulcra thereof, whereby the weight of the operator is communicated to the levers for equalizing the weight of the gangs, as set forth.

21. In a straddle-row cultivator, the combination with the frame having spaced-apart tongue-bars, of a yoke secured to, and depending from, said tongue-bars and capable of being vertically adjusted, means for binding and holding such yoke to such bars, and the gangs loosely secured at their forward ends to such yoke, as set forth.

22. In a straddle-row cultivator, the combination with the frame, of the yoke, means for adj ustabl y securing the yoke to the frame, the gangs having drag bars loosely hinged on lower portions of said yoke, and the controlling levers on the frame connected to the gangs, substantially as set forth.

23. The combination with the tongue having spaced-apart bars, of the yoke mounted between and adj ustably secured to said bars, said yoke having lower outwardly-extended portions, the gangs loosely secured to said outwardly-extended portions, the controllinglevers, and connections between said levers and the gangs, substantially as set forth.

24. The combination with the spaced-apart bars, of the yoke between said bars having notches in its vertical portions, nutted bolts having hooked ends provided with teeth for engaging such notches, said yokes having lower on twardly-extended portions, the gangs loosely secured to said outwardly-extended portions, the hand-levers, and connections between the latter and the gangs, substantially as set forth.

25. In a straddle-row cultivator, the combi nation with the frame, of the gangs pivoted at their forward ends, and means connecting the gangs to the frame at points intermediate the length of the gangs, such means being constructed to prevent lateral movement of the gangs, as set forth.

26. In a straddle-row cultivator, the combination with the yoke having outwardly-extended portions, of the gangs loosely securedto such portions, and means connecting the gangs to the frame at points intermediate the length of the gangs, such means being constructed to prevent lateral movement of the gangs, as set forth.

27. In a straddle-rowcultivator, the combi nation with the frame, the wheels andthe pivot-axles, of the gangs pivoted at their forward ends, and a non-flexible link secured to each gang at a point intermediate its length and also secured to the frame, the connection between the links and the gangs permitting the latter to move vertically, but not laterally, substantially as set forth.

28; In a straddle-row cultivator, the combination with the frame having depending slotted portions, the wheels and the axles, of the gangs pivoted at their forward ends, and nonflexible links connecting such slotted portions with the gangs at points intermediate the lengths of the latter for preventing lateral movement thereof and allow them to move vertically, as set forth.

29. In a straddle-row cultivator, the combination with the frame and the yoke, of the gangs secured at their forward ends to the yoke, the carrying-wheels, axles therefor having pivot-spindles, hangers for such spindles adj ustably mounted on the frame, slotted plates carried by the frame in line with the axles,'links connecting the gangs to such slotted plates, the inner shovel of each gang being shiftable laterally independently of the other shovels thereof, and means for shifting such inner shovels, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I' have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

MARQUIS J. TODD. lVitnesses:

GRAFTON L; McGILL,

FRANK S. MAGUIRE. 

